The Two-Tone Handbag Trend Is Set to Be Huge This Summer

published 11 May 2024

As far as bag trends go, you'll usually find me sticking to a classic black style. Offering timeless appeal, my elegant pouch has never let me down. This season, however, my eye has been wandering, and I've found myself fawning over an equally elevated handbag trend that I've been seeing everywhere lately.

Up and down the high street and across my favourite designer brands, the two-tone handbag trend is the new-season style the industry is backing right now. Typically designed with a neutral base such as canvas or raffia coupled with accents in either black, leather, or, depending on the main shade, cream, two-tone styles often feature a contrasting shade on the handles, pockets or base of the bag.

Available in myriad designs that include compact crossbodies, oversized totes and neat clutches, the emerging handbag trend celebrates refined, classic style and offers something fresh for the new season. And if you're not sure how to style it, many fashion influcencers have already shared images of themselves carrying theirs.

I'm particularly into the straw styles that make summer dressing all the more fun, but I've also spotted versions crafted from supple leather and suede for a more formal alternative.

From DeMellier's Capri tote to Mango's sleek crossbody, read on to discover the two-tone bags I'm considering right now.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST TWO-TONE HANDBAGS:

M&S Collection

Faux Leather Cross Body Bag

I can't believe this is from the high street.

DeMellier

The Capri in Natural Raffia & Black Smooth

This also comes in black and green.

Loewe

Small Paseo Bag in Shiny Nappa Calfskin and Canvas

This elegant pouch is a fashion person's favourite.

DeMellier

The Vancouver Bag in Salt & Pepper Canvas and Tan Smooth

DeMellier really has the trend down.

COS

Market Mini Tote – Straw

This is destined to sell out by summer.

Polène

Cyme Edition Black Canvas

This is large enough to store a laptop and notepad for office days.

Charles & Keith

Cesia Canvas Metallic Accent Shoulder Bag in Chocolate

The brown leather and cream canvas combination is one of my favourites.

Chloe

Mony Medium Braided Textured Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

This is large enough to carry all of your daily essentials.

& Other Stories

Leather-Trimmed Straw Shoulder Bag

Style with a linen dress for a fresh summer ensemble.

Arket

Leather-Detailed Straw Bag

This slouchy tote would be perfect for summer holidays.

Mango

Crossbody Bag With Flap

This compact bag looks so much more expensive than it is.

Hunting Season

The Trunk Leather-Trimmed Straw Shoulder Bag

Style this as a crossbody or wear it over the shoulder.

Métier

Incognito Small Two-Tone Leather Tote

This elegant bag is so easy to work into a capsule wardrobe.

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.